Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) are public colleges and universities that have enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that are at least 25 percent Hispanic students. Currently, more than 500 HSIs nationally, serving more than 2 million students.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program is committed to supporting a 21st century agricultural industry. In partnership with Hispanic-serving institutions and other public and private entities, the program works to provide increased professional development, workforce development, and exposure opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.

For example, the E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program offers HSI faculty and staff an opportunity to spend one to two weeks meeting with leaders from different USDA agencies in the Washington, D.C. area, where they learn about national and regional issues, policy making and research.

The USDA Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Group serves as an advisory body that provides guidance and direction to USDA on matters of mutual benefit relating to USDA-HACU partnership initiatives.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program places students in paid federal and corporate internships, giving undergraduate and graduate students valuable professional experience.

Cooperative Agreements

Learn how USDA agencies support HSI students, staff and faculty through cooperative agreements by viewing this recorded Symposium on Federal Programs and Resources for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.